John Van Koert was integral to the rise in popularity of Scandinavian modern furniture during the mid-20th century all over the United States. The Canadian-born designer’s spare walnut coffee tables and elegant armchairs, for example — particularly those that he created for North Carolina’s Drexel Furniture — reflected the influence of the era’s alluring Danish design and were prominently featured in the modern interiors of postwar American homes.
Originally from Manitoba, Van Koert moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to attend the University of Wisconsin. There he studied sculpture and trained in metalwork. Van Koert later taught design in the school’s art department. After World War II, Van Koert settled in New York City. He created jewelry for Harry Winston before shifting his focus to flatware and furniture design.
Van Koert found quick success with his flatware designs for Towle Silversmiths. His Contour set was part of the “Knife, Fork and Spoon” exhibition organized by the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis in the early 1950s. In 1954, he served as design director for the “Design in Scandinavia” exhibition, which toured Canada as well as the United States and featured hundreds of designs created in Finland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden by the likes of Kaj Franck, Ilmari Tapiovaara, Finn Juhl and others.
Van Koert kept busy over the years. Drexel embraced the clean lines of mid-century modernism during the postwar era with the Declaration collection designed by Stewart MacDougall and Kipp Stewart that featured elegant credenzas and more made in walnut, and the Profile, Casa Del Sol and Projection collections designed with sculptural shapes by Van Koert.
In the early 1960s, Van Koert created a contemporary line for Richardson-Nemschoff, a furniture manufacturer based in the designer’s former stomping grounds of Wisconsin. During the early 1970s, he partnered with Sarreid Ltd., a brand that got its start sourcing materials from Spain and Italy and bringing the exceptional talents of European wood carvers, sculptors and painters to the forefront of American home decor.
On 1stDibs, find vintage John Van Koert seating, tables and storage pieces.
Mid-Century Modern Walnut Buffet by John Van Koert, 1950s
By Drexel, John Van Koert, Karl Johan, Henredon
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This Drexel Profile K37 buffet credenza by John Van Koert stands as a commanding exemplar of mid-century modern elegance—defined by precision, craftsmanship, and sculptural detail. C...
Chrome
John Van Koert for Drexel "Profile" K37 Credenza/Buffet Mid-Century Modern 1950s
By John Van Koert
Located in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
An elegant Mid-Century Modern Credenza, Buffet crafted in walnut wood veneer, featuring clean sculptural lines, subtly curved edges, integrated base legs, and original iconic metal h...
Metal
John Van Koert for Drexel Sideboard Buffet
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designed by John Van Koert for Drexel, this exquisite mid-century modern sideboard buffet is a masterclass in understated elegance and fine craftsmanship. Part of the celebrated “Pro...
Wood
Modern Burl Buffet Sideboard
Located in Westwood, NJ
Modern burl buffet sideboard with four doors framed by a beveled edge, with interior drawers and shelves and finished in a lightly distressed rustic warm h...
Wood
Light Oak Buffet, France, 1950s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Introducing an alluring low sideboard, meticulously crafted from bleached oak and graced with plinth legs, embodying the distinct design essence of the 1950s. This sideboard harmonio...
Oak
Iconic Mid Century Desk by John Van Koert for Drexel c. 1960's
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in New York, NY
Classic Mid Century desk, designed by John Van Koert for Drexel, circa 1960's. This stylish desk features a two tier top, the upper section having two sliding doors, that open to rev...
Leather, Wood
Brutalist Mid-Century Modern Natural Oak Buffet
By De Coene Frères, Charles Dudouyt
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Description: This stunning mid-century modern buffet in natural oak epitomizes timeless elegance and functional design, making it a sophisticated addition to any luxury interior. Cr...
Oak
John Van Koert Designed 'Counterpoint' for Drexel
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Great mid-century design by John Van Koert with luxurious mahogany, blended with wild-grained cherry wood. Inset hardware, rounded lines and tapered legs. Six drawers and center cabi...
Wood, Cherry
Buffet - French - Bleached - Walnut - France - 1940s
Located in Split, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Elegant credenza, walnut, France, 1940s. Large Art Deco Brutalist sideboard. The credenza consists of three storage facilities covered with rich wood grain. Good condition.
Walnut
$799 / set
H 31.75 in W 30.25 in D 18 in
John Van Koert Drexel Profile Desk Vanity with Original Chair c 1950's
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in New York, NY
Classic American Mid Century Modern writing desk / vanity designed by John Van Koert for Drexel as part of the sought after Profile series, circa later 1950's. The desk features one ...
Metal
$5,960Sale Price|20% Off
H 29 in W 42 in D 11 in
An American 1960s Tri-front Walnut 2-Door Cabinet by John Van Koert for Drexel
By John Van Koert
Located in San Francisco, CA
the 3-sided top above a paneled conforming body centering double-doors fitted with a solid brass latch; John Van Koert was a prominent New York designer who helped promote the fascin...
Walnut
$3,500
H 42.25 in W 54.38 in D 18.63 in
1950's MCM John Van Koert for Drexel “Profile” Pyramidal Bookshelf in Walnut
By John Van Koert, Drexel
Located in St. Louis, MO
Mid-Century Modern freestanding sculptural pyramid form bookshelf or room divider designed by John Van Koert for Drexel and manufactured in 1956. The walnut frame and shelves, retai...
Walnut
Modern Milano Brown Walnut Buffet in Wave Glass Mosaic by Ercole Home
By Ercole Home
Located in Brooklyn, NY
The Milano buffet by Ercole Home has a 4-door front, with a natural wood finish on Walnut. Handcut glass mosaics in Butterscotch, Medium Chocolate, and Dark Chocolate decorate the su...
Wood, Glass
$4,855
H 35.38 in W 53.75 in D 33.25 in
Drexel Profile Desk by John Van Koert, Mid-Century Modern, 1955
By Edward Wormley, Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Chattanooga, TN
Yes, in fact that is a new leather desktop. Our team replaced the original Naugahyde surface with genuine black leather. The Drexel Profile walnut and pecan K70 Desk is both a tank...
Fruitwood, Walnut
Oak Sideboard-Buffet
Located in Chelmsford, Essex
Oak sideboard is a nice addition to any room. With a raised panel door style and hinged door mechanism, it features three doors and two drawers, providing ample storage space. This s...
Oak
Mid Century Modern John van Koert for Drexel Casa Del Sol Buffet
By John Van Koert
Located in Tulsa, OK
Mid Century Modern John van Koert for Drexel Casa Del Sol Buffet Very good vintage condition. Really no condition issues to photograph other than ...
Wood, Teak
John Van Koert Credenza for Drexel Profile
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Littleton, CO
A stately credenza by John Van Koert for Drexel's Profile series. Made in March, 1957. Excellent storage with spacious drawers stacked between open storage space behind the doors ...
Ash
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid Century Walnut China Cabinet
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Van Koert for Drexel profile mid century walnut china cabinet The china cabinet measures: 48 wide x 16 deep x 70.5 inches high All pieces of furniture can be had in what ...
Brass
John Van Koert for Drexel Mid Century Buffet Credenza
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Van Koert for Drexel mid century buffet credenza Credenza measures: 60 wide x 21 deep x 32 inches high All pieces of furniture can b...
Chrome
Sold
H 2.25 in W 60 in D 21 in
John Van Koert for Drexel Profile Mid Century Sideboard Buffet Credenza
By Drexel, John Van Koert
Located in Franklin Park, IL
John Van Koert for Drexel profile mid century sideboard buffet credenza Sideboard measures: 60 wide x 21 deep x 32.25 high All pi...
Brass